On May 14, 2025, State Police of Latham, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arrested Christopher J. Appel, 55, of Colonie, NY, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “D” felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “E” felony.
Appel is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. His arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his Colonie, NY, residence on April 17, 2025. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Appel was arrested and processed at SP Latham. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Colonie Town Court on June 4, 2025, and released.
